This weekend is basically just crunching down to get the majority of this project out of the way. The timelines are completed but there's some bug testing for the triggers to make sure they all work correctly. Minigame have a large chunk of progress completed for them too.

Goal is next week is mostly audio, settings toggles and presentation refinements. Sooner this gets done, the more time march can be reserved for the platformer game project to wrap up.

Game Progress:

Given this is our first visual novel project - projected completion time. Its coming along, but some projects are more unpredictable than others and this is one of them. For example, the Dialogic Godot addon wrote over multiple scenes; timelines to be blank - so they had to be re-built/sequenced. It will release in March, but can't give an exact release date.

After this, development will be focused on finishing up the platformer project. Most of the engine is completed, its an issue of bosses, level design and assets.

Audio:

Uploads of our soundtracks will be happening on NewGrounds for the next bit. They'll be going bi-weekly for the next bit.

KageKMB has been doing game dev test run streams on his YouTube - getting the hang of it before doing them on the CubePunks channel.

If you want to see some behind the scenes work on animating in engine cutscenes in Godot, might be worth a watch.

A lot of people appreciated the soundtrack for Pinball Breaker DX and multiple people have asked if the music is avaliable on any other platforms.

So good news, songs featured in the game are going to be rolling out on Newgrounds. Starting with the first game and then moving towards Deluxe only tracks.

As far as streaming goes - some past projects are on Spotify and Bandcamp but newer works will be premiering on here before they release there.

Before coding a VN with its branching timelines and triggers, it was important to break down the script into a visual flow chart. This makes it easier to know foundationally where change scenes, place forks in scenes, load animated segments and etc.

In general, visual novels are a lot of asset work and foundational planning. I'd argue there is significantly more work done in these areas for this VN than our prior 2 games (PinBall Breaker DX and Greedy Goblins). That's the trade off for decreasing the gameplay coding complexity, art and planning challenges.

Mind you everyone has different current skill levels, as well as natural affinities to components that go in making games - and specific projects and genres call for a different blend. If you want to try making a game and you have film making, animation or comic making skills, a VN is not a bad first game project. However, have zero entertainment/art background I'd go as far to say you'd be better off making something closer to Flappy Bird.

SGCS's current dev phase is focused on asset importing and file structure. While the tools are made, actually adapting to the visual novel script to run in engine is one of the later steps.

One of the things currently being worked on is figuring out how to layer elements to give it a vintage texture. Specifically using code and filters that look right on mobile and desktop. While the scanlines and noise overlay can be toggled, it's an essential element for the default look to tie together the script's influences (80s comedies and bootleg anime OVAs).

We're still on the fence if the final game will qualify as T or M. For the time being, content ratings for the blog post will play it safe and choose M. (If you're hoping it'd be A, sorry to disappoint)

Some spelling fixxes and virtual keyboard works with mouse. Also gamepad support

Let me know if any new glitches popped up lol.

In other news, assets for the visual novel are basically done so next week or so is assembly.

We’re looking into making expanded versions of some of our game - but to do that we need a publisher.

The What

Primary things we’re looking for marketing and getting it on storefronts.

The Who

Our preference is working with smaller but successful publishers over larger ones. The thought is an individual gaming enthusiasts has a higher chance of being personally invested in our project’s success - and many “influencers” outperform dedicated “advertising firms” in getting people’s attention.

Our Contact

If you’re someone who fits the description of what and who we’re looking for - email us at CubePunks@gmail.com and we’ll share the business plans and projects.

Not able to contribute but wanna see cool shit?

If you’re friends with a guy, tell your buddy about us. Know a guy we should cold call, email us their contact lol.

Like CubePunks?

We’re still doing what we’ve been doing, we also just want to take it to the next level. Stay tuned and expect 2 more free browser games, and 1 proof of concept demo later this year.

Twitter Page (back posting again now, but was abandoned for a better part of a year)

The Newgrounds News Post is what we consider to be our main blog - so information will either be elaborated on + appear first here.

Twitter is a good way to make sure nothing slips through the cracks. Until our next game comes out, expect it to be highlighting past projects.

PinBall Breaker Deluxe is out best reviewed game yet! It's also our 2nd least played, so chances are its a good time your missing out on.

Work on the first character update will begin soon, currently we're taking a break to just focus on technical polish + get 3D printable designs available. Here's a 1st draft of Sammy.